I know that anybody who does all this and doesn't have to, everything thinks she's very driven. The truth is, I enjoy it all so! Can't it be that simple? I think it is! I don't feel overworked. I get a constant kick out of being heavily committed. Is that sick or something? God, what would I do sitting still?

Opera is music AND drama. I'm prepared to sacrifice the beautiful note for the meaningful sound any time... I can make a pretty tone as well as anyone, but there are times when the drama of a scene demands the opposite of a pretty sound.

I lived through the garbage. I might as well dine on the caviar.

I've always tried to be cheerful, because I think people who whine are boring, and I never could tolerate bores.

It seemed no longer important whether everyone loved me or not, more important now was for me to love them

When you're in love, the whole world is Jewish.

There is something in me-I just can't stand to admit defeat.